A concussion is one of the most common types of brain injuries. This condition occurs when the brain experiences an immediate and transient alteration in function, leading to a temporary loss of normal brain mechanics.
Many incidents can lead to a concussion, from sports injuries and motor vehicle accidents to acts of violence like assault. If you believe that you have a concussion, it is critical to seek medical care immediately to avoid potentially dangerous complications.
What Are Top Causes of Concussion Injuries?
Concussions occur due to trauma to the head. The brain tissue is soft and delicate, protected by the hard skull or cranium. The cerebrospinal fluid surrounds the brain, acting as a cushion between the organ and the skull.
During a moment of severe impact or force, the brain can bounce and move around inside of the skull. The brain can collide with the sides of the skull at dangerous force, causes the brain cells to stretch and become damaged. As a result, the brain experiences chemical changes that impact its function.
There are many incidents that could lead to a concussion. Some of the leading causes of this injury include the following.
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls on the same level or from high places
- Injuries sustained during sports or on the playground
- Being assaulted or hit on the head by another person
Concussion injuries can affect brain function for a brief period before healing with rest and medical care. However, some people experience lasting complications from these injuries, such as persistent post-concussive symptoms and post-traumatic headaches.
Common Symptoms of a Concussion
It can be difficult to know when you have a concussion. Symptoms of this condition may not appear for a few hours following the initial injury. However, any damage to the brain can lead to serious complications like bleeding or swelling. It is important to go to the doctor after experiencing any blow or jolt to the head.
Symptoms of concussions can be subtle and difficult to spot at first. In most cases, people experience headache, temporary amnesia, and confusion.
Additional symptoms of concussions include the following.
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Blurry vision
- Feeling in a fog
- Dizziness
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Slurred speech
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability and mood swings
- Sensitivity to light and sound
What to Do If You Suspect That You Have a Concussion
If you believe that you have a concussion, it is critical to receive emergency medical attention as soon as possible. Without treatment, concussions can become very dangerous and result in serious complications in the future. Seek medical care and save all records related to your injury.
In many cases, concussions occur due to the negligence of another person. If you sustain a concussion in an accident caused by someone else, you may be eligible for legal action against the at-fault party. In these situations, it is important to consult with a Bakersfield brain injury attorney about your options.
Concussions can be serious and painful conditions that affect your daily life. If someone else’s actions are responsible for your injury, you deserve justice. Contact a California brain injury lawyer as soon as possible following the accident to discuss your case and strategize your next steps.